10 facts about Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV

10 facts about Robert Prevost, the new Pope Leo XIV

The Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost – now known as Pope Leo XIV – is the first pope from the United States. The 69-year-old from Chicago is considered a globally experienced leader. He spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently led a major Vatican office for episcopal appointments.

His Choice represents continuity with the pontificate of the deceased Pope Francis, and is expected to continue Francis' reforms and focus on poverty and marginalized people.

Important information about the new American pontiff

Here are other interesting facts about the new pope:

1. The “Little American” American Cardinal

Prevost was born in Chicago but was considered the “less American” of the U.S. cardinals at the Vatican, where he ultimately lived and worked. After a decade in Trujillo, Peru, he was later appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, where he served from 2014 to 2023. He is fluent in Spanish and Italian, which he demonstrated in his first public address in St. Peter's Square.

2. Recognized by Pope Francis

The late Pope Francis "respected him and thought highly of him," said CNN's Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb. “Obviously Pope Francis saw something in him – he saw him as a capable leader.” Lamb met the new Pope Leo XIV while he was still a cardinal and described him as a "very thoughtful and balanced person."

3. Member of the Augustinian Order

Pope Leo is a member of the Augustinian Order, which is spread worldwide. He led the order as its prior general for over a decade. In his first address he declared that he was a son of St. Augustine and quoted his famous sentence: “For you I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian.” This reflects the idea that all members of the church hierarchy – from leaders to everyday members – walk together.

4. Strong leadership experience

Pope Francis appointed Prevost prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops, which is responsible for evaluating episcopal candidates and recommending new appointments. He was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. “He was called to leadership positions at a young age,” said Elise Allen, CNN’s Vatican analyst. "He is seen as someone who is calm and balanced and clearly knows what needs to be done... but he is not overly assertive."

5. Missionary focus

"I still consider myself a missionary. My calling, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel everywhere," Prevost said in an interview with Vatican News, shortly after assuming his leadership role in Rome. He has mentioned in previous interviews that his time in Peru was the most formative life experience for him.

6. Also a Peruvian citizen

Leo is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru. The American-born pontiff acquired Peruvian citizenship in August 2015, according to Peru's National Migration Registry. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte called his election a “historic moment for Peru and the world.”

7. The Pope's name reflects commitment to the poor

The last pope to bear the name Leo, Pope Leo XIII, stood on the side of the poor and championed the rights of workers. Leo XIII, who ruled from 1878 to 1903, placed great emphasis on workers' rights and Catholic social teaching. Choosing this name for the new Pope sends a strong message.

8. A center-left uniting pope

He is aligned with Francis on the direction of the church and the process of promoting a more inclusive global church, but is expected to lead as his own person. Leo is expected to take socially progressive positions on issues such as migration and poverty, but will be more moderate on moral issues of Catholic teaching. To achieve a two-thirds majority in the College of Cardinals, he must have broad appeal, including among more moderate or conservative members.

9. Studied mathematics at Villanova University

Prevost earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and later received his diploma in theology from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Eventually he was sent to Rome to study canon law and later taught canon law at the seminary in Trujillo, Peru.

10. Tennis enthusiast

“I consider myself a pretty amateur tennis player,” Prevost said in an interview with the Augustinian Order, shortly after he became a cardinal. “I have had few opportunities to play since my time in Peru, so I am looking forward to getting back on the pitch.” In his free time, he enjoys reading, walking and traveling to “new and diverse places”.

CNN's Christopher Lamb, Jimena de la Quintana, Abel Alvarado and Elise Hammond contributed to this report.